SHILLONG: Awaiting a response from the National Testing Agency (NTA) over re-examination of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in the state, candidates met Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma to press for concrete action on the matter.
During the meeting on Thursday, aspirants from Jowai and Nongpoh, along with members of the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), urged Minister Rakkam to liaise with the NTA and convey the grounds report of discrepancies observed in the examination centres.
According to the students, they were handed a different set of question papers after almost 40 minutes into the exam, resulting in a significant loss of time and causing distress among candidates.
ALSO READ Will NTA re-conduct NEET exams in Meghalaya?
They also highlighted the years of dedication and resources they’ve invested in preparing for the NEET exam, expressing how discrepancies have dashed their hopes of pursuing a career in medicine.
Earlier, responding to these concerns, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has assured that the matter has been escalated to the NTA.
Chief Minister Sangma took to a social media platform to address the issue, highlighting that since NEET is conducted by a national agency, reports of discrepancies across various parts of the state have been forwarded to them for review.
On May 7, alleging “grave discrepancies” in the exam conduct, both the student bodies had penned a joint letter to Minister Rakkam, underscoring confusion surrounding two sets of question papers, which, they claim, inflicted severe “mental distress” upon candidates.
ALSO READ Why is NTA trying to ‘victimise’ Meghalaya NEET aspirants?
However, despite these assurances, the NTA is yet to respond to the Chief Minister’s plea, leaving aspirants in a state of uncertainty and limbo.
The NTA’s reluctance to consider a re-examination in light of emerging discrepancies has sparked criticism and raised questions about the agency’s commitment to addressing candidates’ grievances and ensuring a fair process.
As the fate of thousands of medical aspirants hangs in the balance, stakeholders continue to demand accountability and transparency from the NTA to safeguard the future of students in Meghalaya.
